What’s your accommodation like?
I currently live in a newly renovated 2 bedroom/1 bathroom apartment southeast of the center of Madrid with a good friend. I’m just 5 metro stops away from the main train station (Atocha).
Did you experience culture shock?
Of course! The first 3-5 months honestly were so difficult with organizing work and hustling about the city not making much money. I arrived at the end of September and was grateful to go home for Christmas that same year to figure out some things. I decided to look for another job once I got back to Madrid that next January and thankfully found a job that allowed me to travel Spain and teach while having international coworkers. (2018)
Now, in 2023, I work remotely and I am fully adjusted and know what to expect in almost all aspects of living here.
Do you speak Spanish?
Yes, but of course it could be better! I’m currently taking B2 classes and can keep up with it. (B2 = upper intermediate level) I’m still working on grammar and fluency but hope to take the official B2 exam in the spring of 2023.
How do you live in Spain as an American? Aren’t there visa issues?
They’re not necessarily issues, just large hurdles to jump over. It’s a ton of paperwork and a decent start up fund to get you there but it’s worth it. I came here on a student visa and have continuously renewed it since 2018. In January 2023, the Spanish government just approved the process for a digital nomad visa so be sure to read about it here!
How long have you been living in Spain?
I moved to Madrid September 27th, 2018!
Why did you move to Madrid?
After graduating from the University of Arkansas in 2016, I needed a change. I minored in Spanish and wanted to continue to learn and travel more. I also wanted to explore the field of teaching so I did a lot of research about what my best options were. Madrid was everything I wanted: a decent job market for foreign teachers, big European capital city, Spanish culture, lots of sunshine, accessible travel, large expat community, etc.
What are your short term plans?
In late summer 2022, I worked for an outdoor travel company (Backroads) as a trip leader. I made enough money to go back to Madrid and just live for 2 months and figure out the next move while I applied to remote jobs.
In November 2022, I got a contracted position as a content editor for the National Tourism Administration of The Republic of Georgia and I hope to continue more work with them into (and throughout) 2023!